Monday, Tuesday

A great Monday with Kathryn and Mark. Day just doing things. My feet were very poorly, so sat down for most of the day, but many loose ends tied up. Evening spent at the lovely Il Rosso in Mansfield, which was second choice. Set out going to Pizza Hut, but they kept us waiting, and tried to seat us among a very noisy crowd, and when we asked if we could sit somewhere quieter, they told us "no". Customer care and service seems to have passed Pizza Hut Manfield by!!! By the way, guess who led the walk out???? I'm sure you won't need 2 guesses! Anyway, went to Il Rosso, and it was excellent, along with live jazz music. Thank you staff at Pizza Hut for giving us such a great Monday evening - eventually!

Tuesday - morning spend in preparation for France and Belgium trip next week, as has been time this evening. Reading up on Battle of Dunkirk, and also the Normandy Beaches, which we are also visiting. Just about to watch at least one episode of "Birdsong".

Lunch time, and afternoon spent with Bernard, who I worked with 43 years ago when I started at NatWest in Grimsby. Kept in touch through the years, and it is always great to meet up with him. He knows about struggles and suffering ( (his wonderful wife died 12 years ago from cancer). He is a dear friend, and a source of great encouragement to me. Gave me words of wisdom about my future.

A wonderful Sunday

Had a wonderful Sunday.

Got up earlier than usual for a Sunday, and went to St Mary's in Hucknall - Kathryn's church. It was lovely just sitting at the back just being me!

Then went to pick up Louise and the grandchildren - a job I don't usually do as I am usually busy with services and especially baptisms on a Sunday. It was lovely picking them up, and having good time with them.

In the evening went to see War Horse at the cinema, it is a wonderful and moving film, and yes it does bring tears to the eye. While in the cinema got the news of the birth of my great niece Isabella, daughter for Rebecca and Tom, and granddaughter to my sister Elizabeth.

Reading and research for my trip to France and Belgium which begins next Sunday, starts today!

I am now feeling very relaxed - this is presenting me a problem - I hadn't realised just how stressed out I was while I at work! I seem to be missing so much!

Saturday

A good Saturday, spent in part with a friend from my college days, who I haven't seen for many years.

Got a bit stressed tonight, but on reflection, feel this was more to do with tiredness than with anything else.

Oh happy day!

Feel really happy today. Relaxed, gently tired, stomach and feet much much better, and that being in the fourth and final week of current cycle of medication.

Took Oscar to the vets this morning - he is 13 in May which is very old for a Labrador, and whilst he has lost lots and lots of weight, the vet says there is nothing she can do. Gave him some medication, 3 different tablets, and we go back next Friday to see if he is any better. But it has to be said, he is not suffering at all, and does seem to be enjoying his lot!!!

Had lunch with Beryl (my associate priest at Rainworth and Blidworth) and then to model shop, and then Aldi, and then called in at Dan's (eldest son) with sweets for the grandchildren, then picked Sue up from work, then a sleep, and then out for a meal. Would never have been able to do all this if it had been a working day - oh and yes, before anyone grumbles, I also spent 2 hours sorting out some music for my presentation.

And this leads me to a very important announcement, for those who know, and if you don't know, you can ask me. My book is found!!!! It has fallen behind the CD cabinet. This will mean another blog on Northern Ireland next week, mainly with quotations.

Almost midnight now, and just catching up with today's Deal or No Deal, now that is like a proper day at work.

Goodnight to you all, God bless.

Blog tomorrow.

My forthcoming Round Britain Rail Trip!!!!

http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Goodhand

Home again

Back home after 36 hours good reading, reflecting, and writing a serious blog about what I experienced in Northern Ireland.

Had a super journey home from the Wye Valley, in glorious sunshine. Much better than journey there on Tuesday.

What happened on the journey there, is that as I was driving I felt incredibly tired, and decided to stop at Hopwood Services on the M42.

I was so tired that I didn't get out of the car before falling asleep. Woke up after an hour, to discover I had left the lights on. Tried to start the car - guess what? Car wouldn't start. Called RAC - and despite being on a motorway and only a few miles from England's second city, they took 3 1/2 hours to get to me, and I only really needed a jump start. I kept very calm, and cool, and did my reading and planning in the services station waiting for help.
When he did turn up, the officer was excellent, and he very apologetic, telling me how busy they were.
After another hour, I eventually got moving again.

Text received next day from RAC telling me that if there was anything about the standard of service I wanted to talk about, then I was to ring a certain number. Did I ring? What do you think?

I still have the feeling to change to another organisation at renewal, but a charming and very apologetic customer service lady gave me an extension of me membership of 4 months. We'll see!

Needless to say, although the RAC man failed my battery, I didn't tell him that I had fallen asleep with the lights on!

Reflection on Northern Ireland - ”we seek to show the love of God in action”

My Sabbatical/Study Leave is about “exploring my understanding of my relationship with God through life's varied experiences...... exploring particularly the spirituality of suffering and struggle..... through the troubles of Northern Ireland”.

Having arranged this trip some months ago, I was put in touch with Dr Hamilton by one of my fellow Governors at the Dukeries College in New Ollerton.  This proved to be a very fruitful introduction, and through it  I met many wonderful people.  Thank you very much Gill!

I wanted to visit Northern Ireland as part of my sabbatical/study leave, because I have always had an interest in the troubles of Northern Ireland, particularly the  people involved, and what motivates them.

In my pre-sabbatical readings I realised I was not going to come up with any quick or easy answers to the many questions I had -- and this most certainly proved to be the case in what I saw; the people I met; and in the stories they told me. 

Parts of Belfast and Londonderry still remain very divided -- the Belfast peace walls dividing the two communities. many on opposite sides of what was once the same street, and the Protestant area of Londonderry which I could only describe as being a ghetto, squeezed into predominantly Catholic area.

 

I heard the expression time and time again "not an inch", and when you see just how near together the two communities are to each other, you get a real feel of how important an inch is territorially.

With the exception of one person, when we tried to visit Sinn Fein headquarters in Belfast the people I met were extremely friendly and welcoming. 

Many of them had a strong Christian faith, and those who hadn't told me they believed in God -- after all, and I quote, “God is on our side because we are right”. 

I met some wonderful people, DH and his wife Daphne, Gary, Jim -- the former paramilitary man, the two Roman Catholic sisters, the head of Springfield primary School, R and S, the Dean of Londonderry, the retired head teachers of Northern Ireland,  and of course  Harold Good, who had a very great impact on me, and the meal and evening we shared together will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I visited the Springfield Road Methodist Church -- the church and community centre where Dessie had  attended and worshipped as a boy and young man, and where Gary Mason had been a previous minister. 

Once a thriving Methodist church, there are now only a handful of loyal and faithful people who come to worship there.  However its influence still reaches well into the community in its various projects and work that it does.

I also visited Springfield  Primary School -- a school using a blend of traditional and modern teaching methods to provide a broad and balanced curriculum.  It was quite obvious from what I saw whilst being shown around, and talking with the head teacher that much work is being done in bringing Protestants and Catholics together -- this process was being actively encouraged by the parents of the children, who themselves would have been caught up in the tail end of the troubles as children.

I saw for myself  the Peace Wall -- this was a very striking feature of Belfast, and could be found in many areas of the city.  I was surprised to find that many roads were still closed at night, and indeed some were only open for pedestrians.

As on my only previous visit to Belfast I was once again fell in love with and deeply moved by the beautiful murals -- "muriels” as these were called by the locals, and these murals featured on the Peace Wall  and throughout the city, and in both sections of the community. 

On the Tuesday morning I visited two churches in the centre of Belfast -- St George's and St Malachy’s.  St Georges is high Anglican and St Malachy’s Roman Catholic.  I also visited another Roman Catholic church on the Falls Road, each beautiful buildings, but following very closely  the tradition of the denomination. 

In my limited experience of visiting churches this time, it is the Methodist Church which seems to be very creative in the use of its buildings and finding exciting and fresh ways in expressing its ministry.

I have to add that I was extremely surprised at the number of churches, and former churches, and the many different and obscure Christian denominations there seems to be particularly in Belfast.  Not because God initiates the troubles and the divisions, but rather due to the fact that the troubles and divisions find a Christian peg to hang their clothes on.

I also visited many of the famous named roads and areas of Belfast, two libraries -- one Catholic and one Protestant, and both the grave of and where Bobby Sands grew up.  Bobby Sands was pushed in his pram by Dessie when he was a young man.   Interestingly -- although Bobby Sands, who died through his hunger strike, was a Catholic and a Republican, and his mother a Roman Catholic, his father was a Protestant!

I visited the East Belfast Mission\ which has a long track record of social engagement in the area.  It started in the 19th century with a church soup kitchen and today continues to transform and renew East Belfast. 

It is involved with -- employability service, homelessness, running charity shops, cafes and Meals on Wheels, community work, youth work, and right at the heart of worshipping congregation.  It currently employs 70 staff supported by over 100 volunteers.  I had the chance to speak to some of them.

Its mission statement is ”we seek to show the love of God in action”

During my time in Northern Ireland, I heard of  a lady in her 80s whose husband had been killed by the IRA over 40 years ago -- and this was a case of mistaken identity.  Her faith only seemed to have been strengthened by her experience.  I also heard of another lady whose husband and son were both killed by the IRA, on separate occasions but in the same place.  Her faith, too, remained strong. These people , along with many others, were ministered to by the Dean of Londonderry and his team.

It was quite obvious in speaking to many people that with one exception, they all feel the troubles could easily start again. 

Jim, the former paramilitary man was the exception, and he felt the problems were in the past, and put this down to 9/11 -- and the realisation by the American's that they were supporting terrorism in giving money to the IRA, and understanding what this was like having been on the receiving end of a terrorist attack itself.

Jim also spoke to me about his dark memories, which still troubled him.  He knew members of the Shanklin Butchers, and had himself been actively involved in terrorism.  He spoke about his time in prison, and internment, and about his most detested man – and that seems to have been Ian Paisley -- a man who when Jim was young he admired as a hero, and along with tens of thousands of other young men would have done anything for him.  He now feels that Ian Paisley and many other statesman of utterly let them down.  He seemed to have more time for Martin McGuiness who he believed had at least stayed true to his cause. 

What had brought Jim back on the right path?  He had been involved with the community for many years now particularly in the building industry, but it was his wife, three children and his grandchildren who had refocused him. 

Whilst I saw much hope in the schools I visited, in the communities, and the people I met, the undermining issues are very great indeed and my own humble opinion is that they haven't been properly addressed. 

One other interesting fact I discovered on quite a few occasions, is that if you were middle class and Protestant, the troubles would have had little effect on you, or maybe even passed you by.  Those involved were mainly young working class men and women, and in the case of the Protestant East Belfast area very much under the influence of the Holland and Wolfe shipyard. 

I have already blogged about the gold match with the Police Inspector.

Researching the history of Ireland, particularly the recent history of the last hundred years or so, it is quite clear that London and then from 1921 Dublin didn't really want anything to do with the province of Northern Ireland.  And I still feel that is the same today.

I have many photographs to show, and I will include them in my final presentation, but they are available for anyone who wants to see them.

There is much I have not recorded here, like my trip round the Titanic quarters, Stormont, the Ulster Hall, and the beautiful Antrim Coast.

But how has my visit to Belfast and Northern Ireland helped with  “exploring my understanding of my relationship with God through life's varied experiences...... exploring particularly the spirituality of suffering and struggle..... through the troubles of Northern Ireland”?

I set out not really thinking that the troubles in Northern Ireland had much to do with the Christian faith, and that was confirmed for me.  God is there, but as a Pastor and helper, working through some of the many wonderful people I met.

Harold Good’s God was quite clearly a Pastoral God, who worked, and goes on working through ordinary men and women of all ages.   The small, gentle, quiet acts of kindness; the unseen gestures, the quiet prayerful patience with humankind in all its various guises.  Harold’s Gospel is not one that is carried out with unnecessary words or great theological theses, but with simple acts of kindness, love and compassion.

That, too, has always been my God, and the Gospel I follow – and it was good to see this in a place which has had a troubled history.  This has greatly affirmed me as a human being, as a Christian, and as a Priest.  It has greatly affirmed my faith!

If people of whatever community, whatever denomination, whatever faith, or of none,  were to focus a little more on this patience, reflection, kindness, compassion and love, then that would bring real hope for the future, not just for Northern Ireland, but for the world as a whole.

Let there be light - but not at that price!

OK so I am a failure -- a second day has gone by without my blogging.  I have no real excuses, other than by the time I got home yesterday it was very late, I was very tired, and being on week three of my medication I felt quite nauseous. So it was straight to bed, and here we are Tuesday morning completing yesterday's blog.  I will be true to my word and I blog again later in the day.

Yesterday was the first time since the Sabbatical started that I had a “usual” Monday -- Monday usually is my day off, and a day spent with Mark and Kathryn.   Indeed yesterday, the first time in four weeks, was spent with my dear friends. We were running late due to the unavailability of one of our cars, and getting everybody strategically placed! A local day out was planned and we had a very late breakfast in Mansfield.

Having been given a little bit of money by my mother, and not wanting it to be frittered away into Sabbatical costs or even more likely household bills, but rather something I could remember her by,  I decided that I would buy myself a watch. I knew what I wanted, and after searching I found it in Samuels. It had the seal of approval from both Kathryn and Mark, although Kathryn made me spend a little more money in paying for a five year “all risks” “no fuss” “cover everything” insurance policy.   Kathryn is so sensible!

Then I had to purchase a printer, as my own printer failed just after Christmas. Got a good deal at Staples, plus a further 10% as I opened a church account there.  I would add at this point that I paid for the printer and the ink myself, and the account will be used to buy paper and stationery for the parish -- we do use Staples, so we may as well get some benefit from their offers -- we did this in Rainworth and Blidworth, and we got some terrific deals.

I then had a last minute cancellation appointment with the Diabetic Consultant at King's Mill Hospital, and Mark and Kathryn took me there.  I was there an hour and during that time Mark kindly bought me some light bulbs for the kitchen and utility room which were causing me great problem and stress. This process in turn produced words -- usually my words, because by late afternoon if I haven't had a rest I get a tadge grumpy! But Mark spent £45 on the light bulbs when I was only expecting him to spend around £10. I'm sure that Kathryn knows I am not really a nasty person, and I get a sneaky suspicion she likes her weekly entertainment when Mark and I exchange “banter”.  At least I hope this is the case.

The day ended up with is having a quiet meal at Markham Moor Hotel -- but this time I was not feeling at all well and struggled to eat much.

Yes Monday was a good day, and once again I have to write that I am indeed blessed with such good friends.

They shortly I am going to stay at Neil's house for 24 hours -- I do need to write up my reflections on Northern Ireland, and I have already found that I get so many interruptions at the Vicarage with people calling, or the phone ringing, so I am taking advantage of his empty house, with no interruptions.

Blog later!

Even the best laid plans!!!

A good relaxing day - plenty of research done, and planning, and lunch with 3 grandchildren. Have felt much better today.

Decided it would be good to go to the cinema this evening to see War Horse - Mark wanted to go with me, so off we went.

21.00 at the cinema in Doncaster - perfect! Off we went, no War Horse - I had looked it up on the Internet - Doncaster. ...... Austrailia. Oh dear!!!

What happened to Saturday?????

You may want to ask what happened to Saturday's blog?   Indeed a good question as I promised to blog every day, and up until yesterday had done so.

The fact is that on Saturday I woke up, after a super day with my sisters, feeling absolutely lousy.

My bones ached, my stomach felt it was full of acid, and all I could do was sleep.   But please don't be too alarmed, this is one of the side-effects of the drug Sutent which I take as part of my chemotherapy.

It was a pity I was feeling like this, as we had some wonderful friends come round for dinner last night.   By the time they arrived, I was feeling well rested, and although my stomach was feeling better, I was not able to eat much of the wonderful food that Sue had prepared.   However we had a great time with them.

Today, Sunday, I have woken up feeling heaps better. Hence this blog now, explaining yesterday, and hopefully a blog later in the day.

Happy extended family day

Not much to post today.  Both my sisters came from Grimsby for the day, along with one of my brothers in law.   Had a great time, with much laughter.  Went shopping, met Daniel who entertained his Aunts while I went to the dentist.

Done some research into the battle of Dunkirk.  Medication taking hold a bit, but I feel ok still.

A less stressful day!

Another day of reading writing and above everything reflecting. 

Took Sue to work, and picked her up, had a coffee with my curate Caroline, where she did her very best not to answer my questions about how things were going in the parish.

Think after today I would have done all the reflecting I need to do on Northern Ireland, and next week after finishing the book I'm reading, I will “blog” my reflection on last week.

Also today I have been putting the final preparations to my rail trip around Britain, and all that remains is for the trains to be running on time!  We'll see-- there are some quick changes involved though!   It has taken me a great deal of time to plan, but again I have enjoyed doing it very much indeed.

This evening I'm going to begin to sort out my trip to France and Belgium -- everything is booked, that is the ferry and the bed and breakfast -- but I need to plan my days there so that I can make best use of the time.  

I haven't felt stressed today -- I think Caroline coming this morning helped.  

What I have realised is that I do miss the day-to-day engagement with people and the parish, for good and for bad, which of course has been a feature of my life the past 22 years. Today has reminded me a bit of the time when I was off work ill, except that today I have been able to get out and about and also do some work on my computer, which I couldn't do two years ago.

Tomorrow my two sisters are coming to visit from Grimsby, and I shall take them shopping in the wonderful metropolis of Mansfield.  I am not sure which is worse -- Grimsby or Mansfield, but then my sisters and my mother always said a town with a Debenhams was always worth a visit -- Mansfield has a Debenhams, Grimsby doesn't.   Looking forward to their visit very much.

It is too early at this stage of my Sabbatical to come to any firm conclusions, but one thing I will say is that I am not looking forward to retirement, whether that be forced on me through ill-health, or in five years time in the natural course of things.

Relaxing in a pub!

Another day of reading, writing and reflecting! Got a bit stressed at times as I have sat at home - even answered the phone which seems to have gone all day! Mainly enquiring about Baptisms, which is good stuff, and I was able to pass them on to Vestry Hour.

Also watched the film "Bloody Sunday" which, although I have on dvd and never watched, I recorded on Sunday as I thought it would be helpful following a visit to Northern Ireland, and it was!

Managed to sort one or two long term little things out, which have been hanging around - but not been able to get my printer going, or my 9F working properly.

Sitting in a pub now listening to a live band, who are very very good. Feel a bit guilty though, because as I sit relaxing and unwinding, PCC happening in Church.

I have to remind myself that at the moment the Chuch are paying me not to get involved with Parish matters, so I promise that I will do my best not to!

Cheers!

At Home

Arrived home from Lancashire very early, after a hard journey, so that I could take Sue to work for 8.30am.

Then trip to Hospital for a scheduled appointment. All OK!

I am not a vain man, but I do listen to what people say to me. I was told by a friend that my longer than usual hair made me look older than I am, so guess what, on the way back from the Hospital I had my hair cut. Do let me know what you think!!

Done some reading, some sorting, and some reflection.

But I have felt a bit more stressed today as this is the first day on my own at the Vicarage. Phone keeps ringing, but so far I have resisted the temptation to answer it.

Spending a quiet evening with Sue!

Bickerstaffe

I have managed to do it again - completely delete my blog for today, in trying to edit it! Oh dear - well I will have to try and remember what I wrote....

From what people are telling me, many of my family and friends have said how much they have enjoyed following my blog. Even my children have been complimentary! That pleases me because my blogging has two main motives - to write things down as they happen, so that when I come and write things up and reflect, it is there before me (unless I unintentionally delete, which I have now done so on two occasions) and to let my family and friends know what is happening almost as it happens.

Of course some of you have tried to wind me up (however can that be, I hear those who know me well saying) - by commenting on my spelling, and by choosing who does what trip with me! On my spelling, I have used my iPhone and iPad to blog - not the easiest instruments to blog on - well at least that's my excuse! And as for doing what with who, whilst I need a companion for my trips because of my condition, and whilst I really would like you all to come with me, clearly that is not possible, and if you did, I would soon get distracted and lose the plot!

And at this point, I would like to make one thing quite clear - my friend Martin doesn't, and has never lived in Liverpool! He lives in that well known place called Bickerstaffe, famous for its international Rock Festival "Bickerstock", and.....umm umm umm??!!? A place which I am sure you can readily pinpoint in the UK. As much as I love to visit Liverpool with Martin, when I visit him, he actually lives 16 miles away - and I am happy to correct this point to protect our friendship!

Interesting, he has taken me, on the train I would add, to Manchester - and if you don't know where Manchester is, it is east of Bickerstaffe! But seriously, we have had a great day. Been to visit the Imperial War Museum, which had an interesting section on the troubles in Northern Ireland, and also I discovered much more about the 1st and 2nd World Wars, which has helped me to focus for my next trip. Also there were very poignant films being shown all around us, reflecting people's experiences of war - and it was very moving. While we were in Manchester we went for a walk around Media City, which is fantastic.

Tomorrow I am back home - time for reading, writing up and reflecting. I will put some of my thoughts on my blog as I go along.

A nice relaxing Sunday!

You know I could get used to this!  A good lie-in, prayers, late breakfast, catching up with Sky+, reading Sunday Papers, sorting out photographs from my trip to Northern Ireland -  and yet Sue keeps asking me how much longer my Sabbatical has to go!

I make no apologies for taking it a bit more leasurely this morning, I do need some rest particularly as I am well into my second week of medication - and last week was really hectic, but not as hectic and tiring as it has been excellent and exciting.

Mark came to see us last night, and I told him a few bits of what had happened, but I do realise that it will take me quite a bit of time to unravel it all in my mind, and then to reflect on it.  That will take place during this coming week.  I still have a couple of books I have to read, which I shall do hopefully before Wednesday, when I hope to do a serious blog about my experience in Northern Ireland.

For now, it's off to Freya's first birthday party and then to Martin's in Liverpool.  Back here on Tuesday morning, when my writing-up will begin.  

Don't know what Martin has instore for tomorrow - I will of course let you know.  But we shall do much talking and reflecting on our work and our respective visions for minsitry and for life.  Along with the odd pint of beer!!

Back home

Not much to report today. Back home after a week, and had a lovely afternoon with Sue. Went shopping - looking for a coat for her, and a birthday present for granddaughter Freya (1 on Monday) - failed to purchase on either count.

Good to be home, if only for 24 hours, but I feel tired, and medication (Sutent) already making my stomach feel strange, which it always does.

Back in England

Just a quick blog today - not much to add to the facts that I have already given, as today has been spent travelling.

This morning we travelled along the Antrim Coast, a most beautiful part of the aunties Kingdom, and we got to the ferry with over 90 minutes to spare.

A smooth crossing of the Irish Sea, and then a 3 hour drive to Chorley where I shall spend the night.

Expected back home late tomorrow morning.

In the course of the next few days, I will put my reflections on here.

On Sunday, Freya's first birthday party, then looking forward to going to visit my friend in Liverpool. We were together at Theological College over 20 years ago, and we continue to meet up every other month to support each other in our Ministry.

Much to tell him this time - hope he won't be bored!!!!

BTW sorry about the spelling errors along the way - blogging on iPad and iPhone isn't that easy!,

Penultimate day in Northern Ireland

Well, what a surprising week this has been. I can't really believe what I've experienced, what I've seen, and who I've met!

Yesterday I went to Londonderry, to meet the Dean of St Columb's Cathedral, the Very Reverend William Morton. Another wonderful man, in charge of a wonderful Cathedral, which is steeped in history, recent and hundred's of years ago - including the hymns of Mrs Alexander (All things bright and beautiful and others) as her husband had been bishop there.

The Dean, William, started out by telling me of people in his congregation. These included a lady now in her early 80s, whose husband was killed by the IRA 40 years ago, and it was mistaken identity. She was a lady who was still very strong in her faith, and who had a strong personality.

And then he spoke of another lady, whose husband and daughter were both killed by the IRA in the same place, but on different occasions, and the man who did it went on to be Mayor of the City.

Many other examples were given.

Our discussions ranged from Martin McGuinness, to Colonel Gadafi, from gunmen/statesman to the role of political parties today.

He also spoke to me movingly about about when he was a journalist, and reported on many of the atrocities.

A quote he used, which I had heard on 2 or 3 occasions "They don't want the Crown, but they want the half crown!"

Today two very interesting and different people. Revd Gary Mason, a Methodist minister who runs the East Belfast Mission - an organisation involved with helping people into employment, dealing with people's rights, counselling people, and running various projects. All this is attached to a Methodist Church.

And the other person I met was a former UVF terrorist, whose story brought the whole thing to life - rooted all that I had heard from others, into the first hand reality of what happened.

He gave me many quotes: "Those who forget the past, are those who are people doomed to repeat it!" "God was on our side, because we were right" to use just two of them.

More tomorrow - journey home - so much experienced, so much to reflect on!

Tonight it's the cinema "The Iron Lady"

Wednesday post - reflections on Tuesday!

I seem to have lost somewhere the blog I posted at 12.30pm while sitting on the banks of Lough Neagh, the largest loch/lake in the UK. Blogged on my iPhone - so I shall know in future.

Yesterday was another busy day - in the morning visiting two busy city centre churches - St George's Belfast, High church Church of Ireland, and St Malachy's Belfast - a Roman Catholic just restored which Prince Charles had visited last year. Each church was so typical of its tradition, and highlighted the differences between the two denominations.

This was followed by lunch next the the Ulster Hall - venue for so many political rallies, and the another tour of Belfast with Dessie, who has been so kind and helpful. This time we visited East Belfast - and the Titanic quarters. Everyone seemed to know Dessie - the lady on duty at Ulster Hall, used to be one of his pupils (he used to be head of the largest Primary School in Northern Ireland, a security guard at the gates of Police HQ used to be in the Boys Brigade with him, and when I stopped in East Belfast to take some photos of Protestant murals, someone came up to him who he had known through business - this last person confirmed to me a recurring theme - middle class Protestants were little affected by the troubles! Indeed he told me of the only occasion it had affected him - he was playing a round of Golg with a Police Inspector, and a Police helicopter was buzzing them overhead. The police Inspector radioed control to get the helicopter moved on, as it was affecting their game.

Then in the evening I went to have a meal with my friend Hayder, and his family and a friend. A lovely meal, with lovely people, but they had some very traditional Protestant thoughts, along with strongly held views. One quote "we won't bread bread with them, and we won't break wind with them"!

A new day

Just got up after a good night's sleep, which is not surprising as yesterday was so busy and exciting, and there was no time to stop!

I can't over-emphasise just how good yesterday was, and I have another busy and exciting day ahead - visiting city centre churches, further tour round the city, and then Dinner with my Friend Hayder and his family.

Meeting Rev Harold Good was so powerful and meaningful, and as we said "goodbye" yesterday, this man who had done and endured so much, wished me well with my struggle with cancer, saying what he had been through was nothing compared to my personal battle with my illness.

That may sound trite, but believe me, he meant it, and I felt so moved in his presence.

A day in Belfast

What a day!

And after a brilliant day, what an evening!!

A month ago I would never have dreamt that I would have had dinner with a Methodist minister who had been the Protestant witness to the arms decommissioning, and who had some of the most prominent people, from both sides, as his closest friends; or taken an extensive tour of Belfast, which had included the Catholic and Protestant areas of the city, looking at the "muriel's" (yes, that is what they call them), visiting two nuns who witness in Protestant area, seeing the Peace wall in various parts of the City, visiting a Primary School on Springfield Road; met people who work on a Community Project in a Methodist Church; cemeteries, City Centre sites, and meeting Dr Dessie Hamilton and his wife Daphne, who were both so friendly and welcoming.

In the Evening, I had dinner with Rev Dr Harold Good OBE a retired Methodist Minister who over many years had won the trust and respect of both sides in the Troubles, and was much involved in the Peace Process - witnessing the decommissioning of weapons, and knowing all the leading players in the conflict.

He was a wonderful, wonderful man.

There has been so much to take in and reflect on, that I will need time put pen to paper, or rather finger to keyboard.

But I offer 3 quotes from today.

1. From Dr Dessie Hamilton
"Those who suffer the most, are the most willing to offer the hand of friendship and forgiveness"

2. From Rev Dr Harold Good
"God is in everything, and of everything"

3. From Rev Dr Harold Good
....speaking of the Troubles "all are part of the story and all share responsibility - by what we have done, or not done, and by what we have said, or not said"

A night in Carrickfergus

Well, I am now in Northern Ireland.

A long journey from Chorley to Cairnryan, and I had got the time of the ferry wrong - fortunately it was the right way, in as much as we didn't miss the boat, but had to wait a bit for it.

Realising the error before we got to the port, I was able to make a slight detour, and visit a couple of fields on the bank of the Solway Firth where I led a Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Scout Camp for 100 Scouts in 1981. And I found the very spot! It was great! 30 years ago when we were there, Prince Charles married Princess Diana, and also during the week my great interest in the 1st World War was first ignited, in a visit to Edinburgh Castle - an interest which was eventually to lead me from the cosy world of banking, to Theological College and almost 22 wonderful years as an ordained minister. A very special moment.

Sadly the ferry crossing was calm, but I did manage to have an hours sleep in the "Quiet Lounge" even if I did wake myself and others up with my snoring.

I have also been frantically reading a book on the history of Northern Ireland, and the background to the troubles - found it very interesting, and surprised myself by how much I have read in a short time.

I have now just woken up after a good night's sleep.

A tour of the trouble spots of Belfast today, with a gentleman who I have never met, but whom I am looking forward to meeting very much indeed.

First Sunday

My Spiritual moment so far today came in the shower! I was listening to the radio, and heard this quote "Faith is not so much a crutch, but rather it tells us who we are and where we are". WOW I thought.

That is what I am about - that is what my Sabbatatical is all about - subtitled as it is "becoming who I am". That is certainly my experience - in my bleakest moments, I have found it difficult to find God, let alone use him as a crutch - but when I did find him again, it was in those who were closest to me, my family and my friends, who got me going again, and showed me who I was, where I am, and where I am going.

Yesterday was another good day - new locomotives bought for my model railway, the nearest miss in a car that I have ever had (I wasn't driving, but my friend's wife, who suddenly realised she knew the driver of the car we almost crashed headlong into, and glares on both sides so quickly changed into laughter, and chit-chat - if only real life was like that), a lovely breakfast in Tintern Abbey, and later in the day a 177 mile journey to Chorley, Lancashire, to pick up my friend who is coming to Northern Ireland with me.

Almost ready to set out now for the ferry - a journey of 204 miles, taking about 4 hours according to my SatNav. Expected to arrive in Northern Ireland at 6.30pm.
Blessings to you all!

A great start!!!

Well I have experienced my first day of my Sabbatical - rather my first half day!

Meetings with Funeral Directors and Churchwardens, last minute discussions about Parish matters, a meeting about furniture for our retirement home, which had been arranged as some lovely furniture had become available, and urgent decisions had to be taken, and I finally got away by mid afternoon, very stressed!

Couldn't even sing to my favourite songs on my iPhone as I travelled along - but I made good progress. By the time I got to M42 my eyes were getting tired, so I decided to stop at Hopwood Service Station for a nap - but nap I didn't, as a friend rang me, and my sister texted me, which required me to ring her back. Checking and writing emails, seeing what's happening on Facebook, and chatting with someone on Skype, took away my tiredness without having to go to sleep, so I went for a coffee, and a "comfort break" and then continued my journey.

By now I was singing once again with Connie Francis, Petula Clark, Mark Knopfler, Bruce Springstein, and all the other songs I annoy my family and friends with.

Had a wonderful evening with my friend - a great curry, a couple of beers, some sorting out for a future trip on my Sabbatical which he is joining me on, some whiskey and a great night's sleep.

Day 1 over.

So far so very good - the transition from being very stressed, to feeling so relaxed, has been remarkabley quick for me. Perhaps it is the thought of almost three months doing something completely different.

Hope you haven't found this too boring - but for me, day 1 ended up with my feeling great, and I still feel the same at the beginning of day 2!

It has begun!

Well I am almost packed and ready to go -- feeling very stressed -- but those of you who know me well know I get stressed quite easily.
I can hardly believe that my sabbatical has now begun -- even though I still have to visit two churchwardens and two funeral directors before I finally depart on my travels.
At lunchtime I am going to visit my friend who lives in the Wye Valley as a first port of call -- it was he who built my model railway, and he is going to do some running repairs on two of the locomotives. He lives in a beautiful part of the world and I feel it quite appropriate to spend the first 24 hours of my sabbatical with him in order to unwind and get away from the busy parish.
Whilst I do feel very stressed, I know that I shall soon unwind and the underlying excitement of it all will take over.
On Sunday I travel to Belfast, having picked up the friend who is accompanying me on this trip, en route to Stranraer. So far I have arranged a tour of all the trouble spots in Belfast and Londonderry, and arranged meetings with a variety of people including some former para military people. Over the next 24 hours I want to prepare what questions I want to ask all these interesting people.
All that remains for me to do now is to change my answer machine so that everyone who rings here on church matters can be referred to Caroline.  Personal messages can still be left on my answer machine.
Sue, who is not coming with me to Belfast, is busily making sure I get off on time -- not so that I can keep up with my schedule, but so that she can get some peace.
It is a very strange feeling not to have day to day parish involvement for the next 12 weeks, but it will be very good having so many different things to do, and getting so my thoughts down on paper, unlike two years ago at this time when I had 12 weeks off work through my illness, when I didn't feel like doing anything.
I'll add more later.

Visit to Oncologist

I have just got home from an appointment with my Oncologist.  All is well!  CT scan results show things are as good as can be expected.  The secondary cancer is unchanged and is not increasing or spreading thanks to the drug Sutent.  What they are just watching are with the side-effects of the drug, the worst of which are blistered feet and a sore mouth.

This means, of course,  that my sabbatical goes ahead, and starts in two day’s time.  I am feeling really good and looking forward to my period of study leave, although it does seem rather strange not to be focused on day to day parish matters after tomorrow. But I have an excellent curate in Caroline, and I know, and have every confidence, that she will do an excellent job in my absence.

Will blog again on the first morning of my sabbatical.